Cat Pin Cushion

Cat Pin Cushion by Stana D. Sortor

What Is Being Made

This is a small knitted cat pin cushion designed as a functional craft project and decorative toy. The finished piece measures 4 inches (10 cm) square, making it an ideal size for holding pins on a desk or craft table while serving as a charming feline-themed accessory.

Craft and Techniques

The Cat Pin Cushion is created using knitting techniques, specifically knitting in the round. This method allows the crafter to work circularly without seaming, creating a seamless three-dimensional form. The pattern uses double-pointed needles (DPNs) to construct the piece, which is a traditional approach for small, tubular, or rounded knitted items.

The project incorporates basic shaping techniques including decreases to form the cat's head and body structure. Embroidery is used to add facial features, bringing the pin cushion to life with embroidered details for the nose and eyes.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners:

• Knit stitch (K) – the basic foundation stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch base
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces two stitches into one
• Knit three together (K3tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces three stitches into one, used for more dramatic shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease stitch that combines two slipped stitches with a knit
• Stockinette stitch – created by alternating knit and purl rows (or knit rounds when working circularly), producing the smooth, classic knitted fabric used as the base

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, with Cascade 220 Superwash recommended as the suggested yarn. Cascade 220 Superwash is 100% superwash wool offering 220 yards per 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Only 50 yards (46 meters) are needed to complete the project, making one skein more than sufficient. Color options include #815 Black, #875 Feather Grey, and #871 White, allowing crafters to choose their preferred cat coloring.

Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size #5 (3.75 mm) are recommended, preferably a set of five needles. Crafters may substitute with their preferred needles for knitting in the round if desired.

Additional Notions: The project requires a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors, a stitch marker for tracking rounds, stitch holders for managing stitches temporarily, polyester fiberfill for stuffing the cushion, and embroidery yarn in pink (for the nose), green or brown (for the eyes), and black (for additional facial details).

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. This is classified as a beginner level project, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft or those seeking a quick, satisfying make. The small finished size and straightforward stitch techniques make it an ideal introduction to knitting in the round and basic shaping.